Tartous, Sept. 14 (SANA)Around 100 volunteers began a joint training camp inTartouson Sunday aimed at strengthening their ability to support emergency response teams during disasters and other crises.The camp, held at the Muhammadiyah School in the al-Khawabi area, is organized by the Volunteer Department at theMinistry of Emergency and Disaster Managementin cooperation with theAga Khan Foundation.

Amal Shamma, head of the ministry’s Programs and Volunteer Initiatives Department, said the program prepares participants to assist emergency response teams when needed while clearly defining volunteers’ roles within the response system.She said the ministry plans to expand the program to other areas and provinces as part of efforts to build a national network of trained volunteers. The training follows a three-stage pathway, beginning with first-responder skills, followed by advanced training and a third level designed to prepare team leaders.

Hassan Razzouq, a training and search-and-rescue specialist, said the program covers search and rescue, first aid, safety and security, crowd management and humanitarian principles, as well as dealing with children during emergencies.The program also includes psychological first aid, volunteer mental health, firefighting support and specialized search-and-rescue exercises. Participants undergo assessments before and after the training and take part in simulations involving rescue operations, casualty response and firefighting.

Razzouq said the practical exercises allow volunteers to test their skills under conditions similar to real emergencies and identify areas requiring further improvement.Osama Abdullah, head of Community Management and Rescue Teams at the Aga Khan Foundation, said the partnership helps develop volunteers’ practical skills and strengthens local communities’ capacity to respond to emergencies.

Participant Ali al-Saleh said the training helps volunteers improve their emergency response and teamwork skills and prepares them to support specialized teams when needed.The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management launched an official platform in January to organize volunteer efforts. In July, it held its sixth preparedness camp in Lattakia for 100 volunteers, focusing on rapid response, search and rescue, firefighting and first aid.